Site Event/Activity record ESF21828 - Analysis of metalwork from a burnt reconstructed grubenhaus, West Stow Saxon Village

Analysis of metalwork from a burnt reconstructed grubenhaus (WSW 060). A fire during February 2005 destroyed a modern reconstructed Grubenhäus at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village. The remains were subsequently excavted by Suffolk County Council archaeological Service and analysed with the aim of enhancing our understanding of a range of site formation processes. Metal artefacts that were investigated to determine the nature of their surface oxidation and corrosion layers, using x-ray diffraction analysis. The ferrous items oxidised mainly to haematite, wüstite and and magnetite whereas the brass item produced zinc oxide. Interpretations are limited owing to the presence of modern protective coatings on some of the items (S1).